DIY Grout Cleaning Hacks That Save You Money

You may have just spent an ample amount of time scrubbing the tiles in your bathroom, but they just don’t seem to return to their original colour. This is obviously frustrating. You’d think that with all that effort you’d get a satisfying result. Maybe the stains are more stubborn than you realised, having been built up over the years from the continued exposure to moisture, soap scum and general wear and tear. Hence, standard cleaners and scrubbing brushes are now no longer enough to clean the grout, leaving behind dull and discoloured lines that make the bathroom look tired.

The good news is that with the right cleaning solutions, proper tools and a bit of knowhow, it is entirely possible to restore the grout to a fresher, brighter state. This article shall discuss some DIY cleaning hacks that will allow you to give your grout a makeover all while saving you money. The goal here is to achieve a finish that feels like time well spent. And for those who plan on moving out soon, using services like expert end of lease cleaning Canberra will ensure that even the toughest stains will be handled to perfection. Work smart not hard.

1. Why Does Grout Become So Dirty?

The reason behind the grout between tiles becoming so dirty is related to its porosity. Tiles are made to be resistant to moisture, soap scum, mould and grime, but the same cannot be said about grout. Grout is much less resistant to these elements. Hence, they are prone to getting dirty and discoloured over time. This is even truer for the bathrooms, where the humidity and water exposure is super high. Even if you mop your tiles regularly, you still end up missing the grout lines, allowing the grime to build up in them unnoticed. Understanding why your tiles don’t look as fresh as they should even after all that mopping is the first step to fixing the issue effectively.

2. Hack 1: Baking Soda and Vinegar Grout Cleaning Paste

The baking soda and vinegar paste is one of the simplest grout cleaning hacks out there. The reason why this is good is because, baking soda is a natural, mild abrasive that is great for lifting the dirt and stains from the grout. The vinegar is effective for its antibacterial and anti odour properties, making the combo perfect for some DIY cleaning.

To use this, make a paste of baking soda by adding some water to it. Apply this paste directly onto the grout and then spray this with vinegar. This will create a fizzing reaction. Let it sit there for 5 to 10 minutes, then scrub it away with a stiff bristled brush and rinse the area with warm water. This hack is great for using in high traffic areas as it is safe, non toxic and inexpensive to use.

3. Hack 2: Hydrogen Peroxide to Whiten Grout

Unlike harsh chemical cleaners, hydrogen peroxide is gentle enough that it can be used on many surfaces and strong enough that it lifts the mildew and the soap scum easily. All you need to do is spray some undiluted hydrogen peroxide onto the grout lines and let it soak for 15 minutes before scrubbing. For extra strength combine it with baking soda.

This method won’t just clean; it will also whiten the discoloured grout. For tenants who are preparing to leave their rental soon, using this technique to supplement the efforts of reliable end of lease cleaning Canberra will ensure you have all the areas covered before you leave.

4. Hack 3: Steam Clean The Grout

If you don’t want to do intensive scrubbing, steam cleaning is a very good alternative to try. A handheld steam cleaner can blast away the dirt, grease and bacteria from the grot lines without needing additional chemicals. The high temperature of the steam helps loosen the grime making it easier to be wiped away. Investing in a steam cleaner might seem like an unnecessary upfront cost, but it is worth it if you have multiple surfaces covered in tiles. Get a multipurpose steam cleaner so that you can use it on multiple things like upholstery, carpets, etc., along with tiles. This will make your investment more fruitful.

5. Hack 4: Naturally Refresh Grout using Lemon Juice

Lemon juice is surprisingly effective as a natural cleanser. Its acidity acts similarly to vinegar, easily removing grease and grime while leaving behind a fresh citrous aroma. To use it properly, just apply a few drops of lemon juice straight to the grout, allowing it to sit for at least 10 minutes, and then finally scrubbing it away with a toothbrush.

This method is best for mild stains and routine maintenance rather than for use on deep ingrained grime. It’s especially handy in the kitchen where you want a natural deodoriser alongside a cleaner. As it is completely safe and environment friendly, it is great for doing regular touch ups.

6. Hack 5: Toothpaste as a Quick Fix for Grout

This may sound very unconventional, but toothpaste can work wonders on grout, especially if you’re working on smaller areas like bathroom sinks or shower corners. Its mild abrasiveness helps remove surface stains without damaging the tile. Apply some non gel white toothpaste directly onto the grout, scrub with a small brush and then rinse the area thoroughly.

This is only a quick fix, only to be used in emergency situations. It’s safe enough that you need not worry about wear and tear on your grout. If you want to stay on top of the maintenance before a comprehensive end of lease cleaning Canberra session, it is a simple way to keep your grout looking fresh.

7. Preventive Care for Your Grout

Once you’ve invested your efforts in cleaning the grout, you need ways to keep it that way for as long as possible. You can do so by using grout sealers; these create a protective barrier on them that repels moisture and dirt. Apply this sealer once or twice a month to keep it looking fresh and to extend its lifecycle. Along with this adopting a regular cleaning routine where you wipe down tiles after each shower, address spills immediately, etc., will help you increase their longevity further.

Infographics: Money Saving DIY Grout Cleaning Hacks

Wrapping Up

Grout cleaning can become an easy task when you have the right techniques and solutions in your knowhow. Use these DIY hacks above to keep the grout in your home looking the best they can. As said before, the key here is to work smarter not harder. So, go ahead and try these out. Happy Cleaning!